Can a rootless Den Keiki be saved? Help!

[NewBloom]

Please help. I don't know what to do.

While removing the keiki from its parent plant, I messed up the cut in a big way. The base of the keiki with the roots was left attached to the parent plant.

I soaked the rootless keiki in KLN solution and potted it in a bark/sphag mix. It's been indoors on a seedling mat. From time to time, I wrapped the pot in a plastic bag, leaving the plant exposed. I noticed condensation and worried about mold so I didn't use the plastic bag on a consistent basis. (The keiki is about 16" tall so fitting it entirely into something is a challenge.)

I've watered the media lightly once a week (plain water or KLN) as it dried out and I checked to see if there were any signs of root development. Nada.

That was several weeks ago. Now I'm noticing that the cane is getting wrinkly grooves. I took it out of the mix and put it in a vase of water with the base of the plant barely in water.

I have searched this site but haven't found anything on rootless keikis.

NB

[CTB]

Sounds like you are doing the only thing you can. I leave my keikis on the mother plant till they are ready to fall off, a little twist and off they come. Sounds like maybe it wasn't ready if you had to cut it off.
I've rooted Den stocks that have broken off that way so keep your fingers crossed it might work.

[Rowangreen]

I'm wondering what happened to the bit with the roots? Is it still on the parent? Maybe that will grow new leaves.

[frostedeyes]

hmmm... well... here in my country err tropics... i just put placed them in a container with and covered with coconut husk or clean loose well drained soil... just mist them during day time.. ull never know.. a keiki will grow another keiki... but.. hmm... calculating it... ... it owuld take at least 3 years? to finally be able to bloom... so... is it worth it?

---------- Post added at 11:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:27 PM ----------

or maybe 2 years

[NewBloom]

Originally Posted by CTB

I've rooted Den stocks that have broken off that way so keep your fingers crossed it might work.

Are you saying you were able to get a rootless keiki started in water? I'm not sure if I understood you correctly.

[johnblagg]

the base that was left on the origanl cane will most likly kick out a new eye and grw a new cane ...wait for it.As for the part shown ...you never know untill you try so go for it ...

[Otis226]

About the only thing I would suggest is perhaps trying a liquid seaweed solution instead of plain water. I've had some success getting rootless Phals to regrow roots that way.
Best of luck,
Tony

[Merlyn]

Here's a 'node' culture link that was passed to me by a friend who uses sand instead of peat. I'm trying it with sand and the water way also, I've got 4 canes to use.

Lotte & Thomas Orchids

[NewBloom]

Thanks for the tips!

I water the roots left on the parent plant and will keep an eye out for any new developments. I learned my lesson the hard way for removing keiki's: wait.

Merlyn, the node culture link was fascinating!

[keithrs]

I don't think that you will get roots out of this plant.... are there any nodes at the bottom where a new stock can start?